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New USCIS Initiatives

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is providing new competitive funding opportunities under the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program, to include the Citizenship and Integration Training Academy (CITA) and Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services (CINAS). These grants will either aid organizations in establishing high-quality citizenship programs, or aid organizations already offering legal and informational services in increasing citizenship instruction and naturalization application services, training, and Board of Immigration Appeals accreditation. USCIS is also launching USCIS to You, a new initiative to bring immigration-related assistance into local communities, including remote or underserved areas for eligible noncitizens. Read more>>

DHS Reminders on the Process to Promote the Unity and Stability of Families

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it will start allowing non-citizen spouses of U.S. citizens to apply for “parole-in-place” through DHS, which would grant those eligible the opportunity to apply for lawful permanent resident status without having to leave the U.S. non-citizen spouses who have resided in the U.S. for ten years or more are eligible to apply. DHS recently issued a statement reminding applicants that while applications will not be accepted prior to August 19, 2024, they can begin to prepare their parole application by gathering evidence of eligibility. As a reminder, applicants should beware of immigration scams and refer directly to the DHS website.

Virginia SUN Bucks Application due by August 30, 2024

Virginia is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to implement a new program called Virginia SUN Bucks. Through the program, families can receive extra money to help with the costs of groceries that include fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, dairy and meat at grocery stores, farmers markets and other places that accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) EBT benefits. Check eligibility requirements here.

Applicants can now fill, print, sign and mail applications to Virginia SUN Bucks, c/o VDSS, 5600 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA, 23060. Applications must be received by Aug. 30, 2024. Please do not take your application to your local department of social services or school as they cannot process this application. Applicants can also contact the Virginia SUN Bucks Call Center at 866-513-1414 (toll-free) or 804-294-1633 Monday through Friday from 9AM‐ 6PM. Aug. 30, 2024, is the last day to apply by phone.